Ultra-miniaturized thz communication device and system

Abstract

Ultra-miniaturized THz spectrometer / multi-channel receiver devices are provided. THz communication devices employ a THz transmitter, a THz receiver and a modulator, wherein the THz transmitter is configured to introduce a THz signal to the modulator and the THz receiver is configured to receive the THz signal from the modulator and demodulate the signal. Communication systems and methods employing the THz spectrometer / multi-channel receiver devices enable secure communications. Portable THz emitter devices are provided employing semiconductor lasers and a nonlinear birefringent waveguide monolithically integrated on the same substrate.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 61 / 046,126, filed Apr. 18, 2008, 61 / 046,132, filed Apr. 18, 2008 and 61 / 051,887, filed May 9, 2008, the entireties of which are incorporated herein by reference.GOVERNMENT RIGHTS[0002]The research leading to the present invention was supported, in part by the Department of Defense's Technical Service Work Group (TSWG) through a contract (N41756-04-C-4163) and by the U.S. Army through a contract (DAAE3003D1015-18). Accordingly, the United States Government may have certain rights in the invention.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0003]This invention relates to terahertz (THz) communication devices and systems and methods of using same.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0004]There has been a rapid expansion in the area of terahertz technology, apparatus and components using THz technology. Commensurate with this expansion is the need for smaller, faster, less expensive and more r...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]The ultra-miniaturized THz receiver can receive THz signals at several different THz frequencies (channels). The ultra-miniature size of the receiver (≦6 mm) enables the communications link to be used either with an integrated component in a communications system or with stand-alone or hand-held communications elements. Other key attributes include minimal fabrication, operational and maintenance costs of the ultra-miniaturized receiver. Since the receiver can be mass fabricated from silicon wafers using standard lithographic processing (using, for example, 10 i.tm features), the cost per receiver is relatively low. Furthermore, the lack of moving parts in the receiver minimizes the cost of fabrication and maintenance.

[0009]In one embodiment the THz receiver is based on photonic crystal structures. These structures permit the fabrication of compact, efficient, and low-cost photonic devices. The typical dimensions of the present THz receivers are comparable to only a few THz wavelengths. The present devices differ from those in the prior art at least in that they (a) are three dimensional in nature; (b) involve both passive and active elements; (c) employ imaging as well as filtering aspects; and (d) ultra-miniature receivers on the order of a few THz wavelengths are realized as the result of THz photonic crystals being integrated with THz detector elements.

Problems solved by technology

Communications between vehicles must be stealthy so that hostile forces can not identify the presence nor mission objectives via eavesdropping on communication channels.

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